Sometimes things just happen organically. This client reached out to me in a professional capacity to see if I wanted to advertise in his new magazine. I declined at that time because as team we have chosen to be referral based, not advertising based. Even with turning him down, he and his wife decided to sign on with us for their basement... which then upon completion rolled into their main floor (part 2). They wanted a very distinct style and already had a pretty good idea of what they wanted. We just helped bring it all to life. They wanted a kid friendly space that still had an adult vibe that no longer was based off of furniture from college hand-me-down years. Since they loved modern farmhouse style we had to make sure there was shiplap and also some stained wood elements to warm up the space. This space is a great example of a very nice finished basement done cost-effectively without sacrificing some comforts or features.

ARCHITECTURE: Honor Award PROJECT: Uptown Lofts on Fifth CLIENT: ACTION-Housing, Inc. ARCHITECTURE FIRM: FortyEighty Architecture ENGINEERS: Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.; Keystone Structural Solutions; Iams Consulting, LLC CONTRACTORS: Mosites Construction Company PHOTOGRAPHER: FortyEighty Architecture DESCRIPTION: The Uptown Lofts on Fifth are two new multi-unit apartment buildings constructed on opposite sides of Fifth Avenue in Uptown, a neighborhood of Pittsburgh that suffers from steady population decline due to a lack of adequate housing. The developer for the project, ACTION-Housing, Inc., serves a mission to empower people to build secure and self-sufficient lives through decent, affordable housing, and has worked to demonstrate the importance of energy efficiency through various projects. This project was designed to allow for a comparison of the operational performance of the two buildings – one designed to meet Passive House standards and the other designed to meet the requirements of the current energy code. JURY COMMENTS: This is the project the jury discussed the most. Perhaps not best in any one category, this project achieved so much in so many categories. Architecture is about richness, layers of meanings, and social responsibility. This project surpassed others by doing so much in terms of being solidly designed in the context of its neighborhood, with aggressive sustainable goals, and all on a very tight budget. It is serving as a demonstration to the greater sustainable community with two test buildings from which to compare the ROI on a project designed to meet passive house standards versus a building meeting the current energy codes. Most importantly, this building brings a high level of dignity to an all too often overlooked user in a neglected part of town.

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro.

AirField installed an AirPave grass fire lane for their porous flexible paving at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice, creating a beautiful, functional, ecological friendly solution to facility access. An installation of an AirField Systems grass fire lane at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice brings green building benefits and incredible strength to a beautiful new facility. A time lapse photo series highlight the installation process of the 6,747 PSI sand filled 100% recycled geocell technology, providing the strength of asphalt and concrete while relieving some of the burden of costly storm sewers and drainage. This new installation highlights the benefits of paving with grass, as well as the comparative ease of installation. Concrete and asphalt surfaces occupy twice the area of buildings and are the most detrimental to clean water. Concrete and asphalt surfaces dominate the landscape of our urban environments and prevent rainwater from being filtered naturally. They send harmful polluted water straight into our streams, rivers and lakes. In urban America, concrete and asphalt pavements produce two thirds of our excess water runoff. They are responsible for significant hydrocarbon pollutants on our ground and in our water, causing ground water decline, and resulting in local water shortages. These concrete and asphalt surfaces also create huge increases in temperature known as the urban “heat island effect”. The pollution caused by impervious surfaces deteriorate the quality of our storm water runoff and create large overflows that our storm sewer systems cannot handle. It is also important to realize that the urban forest force is drastically diminishing, causing CO2 levels to rise, which in turn causes global warming. With all the negative influences of impervious pavements now is the time to turn our attention to alternatives for the benefit of the environment. From fire lanes, overflow, and event parking, to temporary and stadium parking, reinforced grass parking systems deliver the same strength and durability of asphalt and concrete without the negative affects mentioned above. These incredibly strong geocells reinforce grass parking, prevent rutting from traffic, protect turf roots, and promote beautiful grass. Reinforced grass parking structures, also know as grass pavements, enhance the environment by naturally filtering auto and truck liquids such as oil drippings, antifreeze overflows and many other leaks and spills. They also help with air pollutants after they have been knocked to the ground by rainwater and greatly reduce hot surface temperatures thus fighting global warming and the “heat island effect”. Grass pavements allow our groundwater to be naturally replenished, the roots of trees to breathe, and they help our streams and rivers flow cleanly in dry hot summers. A large part of the solution to urban environmental problems is under our feet. By paying appropriate attention to the everyday materials on which we walk and drive, we can replenish renewable resources, restore the natural regenerative processes, and produce a cleaner, healthier, safer, more sustainable world in which we must live. Porous pavements are potentially the most important development in urban watersheds since the invention of storm sewers. By routing rainwater directly into the earth as nature intended, the need for costly storm water structures can be drastically reduced. Reinforced grass parking has built in permeable spaces through which water and air can pass. Although some porous paving materials are nearly indistinguishable from nonporous materials in construction and superficial appearance, their environmental effects are qualitatively exponential. They allow air, water and heat to dissipate into the environment naturally helping to save the planet. AirField reinforced grass parking provides beauty and comfort, and with the unbeatable price and performance of AirDrain you can’t go wrong. AirDrain is the reinforced grass pave system the industry has trusted for years !!! Airfield Systems, LLC 8028 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-359-3775 Installer – GREENPRO Landscapes Kevin James 9847 Stewart Rd Arlington, TN 38002

Ever since it was founded in 1996, Lynx has had a vision: to provide the world with luxurious outdoor cooking appliances easily differentiated from the barbecue grill. And, for nearly twenty years, that's what Lynx Grills has accomplished by matching the rugged needs of outdoor cooking appliances with the same high standards or commercial restaurant kitchen products and fixtures, resulting in spectacular stainless steel grills made to the highest specifications of the commercial world. Consider these the "professional" class of grill, where the rugged durability of the traditional barbecue grill joins hands with commercial quality, capacity, and pure cooking power. And Lynx Grills are certainly rugged; every one is designed to withstand the most trying, hazardous of outdoor weather conditions without any decline in performance or decay of materials. This innovative approach to outdoor cooking has earned Lynx Grills the coveted title of "world's greatest grill," an honor universally bestowed upon their stainless steel grilling machines. That's why Lynx sets the standard for design, innovation, and engineering in the outdoor cooking industry it helped to create and shepherd. When you buy Lynx, you're buying the original.

This bathroom may small, but it is hardworking! This client wanted her bathroom to age as gracefully as she is, and even help her along in the process. It was important that we include details like grab bars, reinforced ledges in the shower, a bench seat, and accessible design to ensure that her home remains a safe place for her even as mobility declines. I am so proud that we did not have to compromise style as we accomodated her needs!

Beez Kneez Pleez is an ceramic sculpture approximately 8 to 10-feet high by 3-feet in diameter. The piece has grown into a concrete art concept after I participated as part of an unplanned group, called "The Bee Swarm" in the Marche du Nain Rouge parade in Detroit. Visually noticing the decline of the honey bee in addition to being fascinated with the structure of the bee itself, I've begun a love for all the bee represents: hard work, happiness, warm sun, clover, industriousness and flowers. The use of carved and stacked honeycomb cells, fun, furry colors, and whimsical characterizations present the underlying seriousness and interconnectivity of this environmental issue, with a more lighthearted approach. This sculpture is a nod to the bee and the imperative role they play in the delicate balance of survival. The bee reminds us to leave that dandelion, violet, reduce pesticide use and preserve habitat. A totem of ceramic bees, leaves, flowers, corn, butterflies, frogs, rabbits, extruded hexagons, and perhaps a few other surprises arranged along an 10-foot steel pole. The pole will thread into a sturdy base via a threaded rod. Weight should not exceed 250 hundred pounds. The use of celadon glazes will highlight the intricate carving on the bees, honeycomb and other items which are nestled, hung with manilla rope or stick mounted along the length of the totem. The stabile and it's stoneware components is suited to indoor or outdoor areas. Created for ArtPrize 10 in 2018: Venue: Grand Rapids Public Museum. Permanently installed at Central Insurance Company Headquarters, Van Wert, Ohio

Lead Time: 3 - 4 Months All doors are made of heavy 12 gauge steel with 16 x 16 mm or custom specifications. The glass on all doors is Aquatex. Hinged glass opens allowing easy access for cleaning and ventilating. Window lock controls the opening and closing of glass frame. Polyurethane foam layer adds insulation from the heat or the cold. All thresholds are hand- forged and fully-welded. All of our doors undergo a unique seven-step process: Sandblast, Zinc-coat, anti-corrosive prime, middle coat, top coat, faux finish, clear coat. Rubber weatherstripping is installed around the door frame and around the interior glass frame. Door sweep is installed underneath the door. Up and down extension ball latches are installed on all doors. On the lower half of the window, there is a small decline for water to run-off. All doors come with a standard deadbolt lock.

This bathroom may small, but it is hardworking! This client wanted her bathroom to age as gracefully as she is, and even help her along in the process. It was important that we include details like grab bars, reinforced ledges in the shower, a bench seat, and accessible design to ensure that her home remains a safe place for her even as mobility declines. I am so proud that we did not have to compromise style as we accomodated her needs!

Before - Backyard w Stumps, Drainage Issues, & Steep Decline

This bathroom may small, but it is hardworking! This client wanted her bathroom to age as gracefully as she is, and even help her along in the process. It was important that we include details like grab bars, reinforced ledges in the shower, a bench seat, and accessible design to ensure that her home remains a safe place for her even as mobility declines. I am so proud that we did not have to compromise style as we accomodated her needs!

This home gym was created with CrossFit workout in mind. The heavy-duty grade Rogue Fitness rack serves as the anchor to the space. The rubber dumbbells rest on the steel rack steps away from the adjustable decline and incline bench. The ½” thick rubber flooring makes for a sound base for serious workouts as well as sound absorption for the 800-Watt micro subwoofer as well as the 300 Watt combined ceiling speakers. We added a wall of mirrors on two walls which provide depth and the illusion of the room being enlarged. The Concept 2 rower can sit upright after heavy cardio use to make room for whatever workout is thrown at the gym.

This home gym was created with CrossFit workout in mind. The heavy-duty grade Rogue Fitness rack serves as the anchor to the space. The rubber dumbbells rest on the steel rack steps away from the adjustable decline and incline bench. The ½” thick rubber flooring makes for a sound base for serious workouts as well as sound absorption for the 800-Watt micro subwoofer as well as the 300 Watt combined ceiling speakers. We added a wall of mirrors on two walls which provide depth and the illusion of the room being enlarged. The Concept 2 rower can sit upright after heavy cardio use to make room for whatever workout is thrown at the gym.

Trees are an object of supreme beauty that brings a sense of pride and character to any property. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, they also offer a wealth of additional benefits. They can help reduce the cost of heating and cooling as well as increase the curb appeal of a property. Trees also benefit the environment by reducing pollution and providing refuge to local wildlife. If you happen to have oak trees on your property, it is especially important to make sure your trees undergo general maintenance and tree care. One of the most common problems landowners with oak trees face is oak wilt. Five Star Tree Services is here to let you know how to spot and protect your green friends from this debilitating tree ailment. What Is Oak Wilt? Oak wilt is a very aggressive form of tree fungus that attacks the oak species in particular. It grows on the outer sapwood of the tree and slowly starts to sap away nutrients and water from the tree itself. Left untreated, oak wilt can cause the tree to dieback or even expire completely. Oak wilt targets healthy oak trees, mature oak trees, and stressed oak trees in equal measure. It is easiest to spot the symptoms of oak wilt in the early spring or summer. The most common signs of oak wilt are bronze and wilting foliage. Where Does Oak Wilt Start? Most oak wilt will start along the tips of the branches and the top of the oak tree. One reason it may take so long to spot a problem is that it begins out of the usual line of sight. Most homeowners will notice a sudden decline in the health of a usually healthy tree that starts along its crown. Another sign of oak wilt is when the outer side of the tree bark starts to develop gum. This gum attracts other pests such as birds, insects, and squirrels who then carry the fungus from sick trees to healthy trees. Along with spores, the fungus can also spread through the root system of one oak tree to the other, but it is hard to notice unless you happen to be digging around the trees for another reason. When Are Oak Trees Most Susceptible? Healthy and stressed oak trees are equally prone to catching oak wilt, but is it more likely to occur in the spring. It is always best to avoid pruning oak trees in the spring to reduce the chance of new fungal infections or for infections from other trees being spread to healthy trees. Wounds or environmental damage during the spring should be cared for by professionals to help reduce the chances of oak wilt infection. Is There A Cure For Oak Wilt? There is no cure for oak wilt, so the best method is prevention. Avoid pruning and damage during growing seasons and stick to winter pruning in Richmond Hill to cut down on infection rates. If you do have an oak tree that is showing signs of oak wilt, the best course of action is to have it removed to prevent the fungus from spreading to other trees. If you think your oak trees may be showing signs of oak wilt, give Five Star Tree Services a call at (416) 990-3355 for an in-person assessment today.

This Black and White Marble tiled hallway floor at a Grade II listed property in the village of Tattenhall has quite a history. The building was constructed in 1865 and at one time it has been the home to the high sheriff of Cheshire, and the family home of Edith Wignall the daughter of Sir Henry Tate the founder of the sugar company Tate and Lyle. In more recent years the property had been used as a council building and even a nursing home for the elderly. After a long history of decline it has now been restored to a lavish family mansion however the marble floor had suffered over the years and still need attention. The current owner had been in touch as they wanted it restoring and basically brought back to life. As it turns out I had already planned to go to Tattenhall the following week to work on another listed building which was formerly the village bank. After discussing the Marble floor over the phone, I agreed a date and time to pop over from the bank and inspect the floor in detail. I can provide a rough quote from photographs, which has been especially useful recently, but it’s far better for all concerned if I’m able to properly survey the floor first. The Marble floor consisted of Black and White Mable tiles laid in a diamond pattern, it wasn’t a very large area perhaps 9 square metres in total. The tiles were well worn as described but also stained and scratched. I would see they would need a deep burnish and polish to bring them back to life and then protected with a fresh sealer. Following on from that visit I was able to provide an accurate quote which was accepted, and a date agreed for my return. The first job was to protect the surrounding heavy wooden panelling with masking film. The floor was very heavily stained yellow with deep scratches, to remove these I would have to grind the marble back until a clean fresh tile was left. To start I used a 200-grit coarse pad fitted to a weighted buffing machine, the abrasive action of the pad was lubricated with water. After inspection I found that the staining and scratches were still there, so I needed to use stronger pads, so I worked my way through a set of very coarse milling pads starting at a 50, 100 and finishing with a 200-grit pad. Again, water was used to lubricate, and the resultant slurry was removed by a powerful wet vacuum and washed down between each pad. The milling pads had the desired effect, and I was then able to bring back the polished appearance of the Marble surface using a set of finer burnishing pads with the same process. The 400 and 800-grit pads helped to clean and remove the fine scratches left by the milling pads and then the next 1500-grit pad started to build the shine back on the marble tile. After finishing with 1500-grit pad I washed the Marble with Tile Doctor Stone Soap and vacuumed up the residue with the wet vacuum. I left an industrial blower in place overnight to dry out the floor ready for the next morning when it would be sealed. The next morning, I used the last of the four burnishing pads which is a very fine 3000-grit to polish the floor further. This last pad is applied dry with just a spray of water to create a high gloss finish. When I was happy, I sealed the floor with two coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer that soaks into the fine pores of the Marble to protect it from within. This product also improves colour and after application it was left to soak into the tile for five minutes before polishing off and then leaving it to dry. The last step was to I buff the floor with a white pad. The finish was impressive, and the family were very happy with the work we had carried out. For aftercare I recommended they use Stone Soap as its designed for the regular cleaning of sealed and polished stone, as well as cleaning it also helps build the patina. Alastair Robb West Cheshire TIle Doctor

Fattore vincente di Aliante è la capacità di creare e rinnovare linee e tendenze, arrivando ad esprimere valori di qualità e originalità ai massimi livelli. Aliante racchiude in sé il meglio del know-how, concedendo a chi la sceglie massima libertà di progettazione, grazie alle innumerevoli combinazioni possibili, curve e lineari. Il programma Aliante, oltre ad essere disponibile con maniglia e gola, viene declinato in diverse versioni a seconda della finitura di anta scelta: laccato opaco, laccato lucido, legno opaco, legno lucido, yellow pine, metallizzato e vetro. Winning factor of Aliante is the ability to create and renew lines and tendencies, arriving to express values of quality and originality at the highest levels. Glider embodies the best of the know-how, allowing those who choose maximum design freedom, thanks to the many possible combinations, curves and linear. The program Aliante, besides being available with handle and throat, is declined in different versions depending on the finish of door choice: matt, gloss, matte wood, polished wood, yellow pine, metal and glass.

Fattore vincente di Aliante è la capacità di creare e rinnovare linee e tendenze, arrivando ad esprimere valori di qualità e originalità ai massimi livelli. Aliante racchiude in sé il meglio del know-how, concedendo a chi la sceglie massima libertà di progettazione, grazie alle innumerevoli combinazioni possibili, curve e lineari. Il programma Aliante, oltre ad essere disponibile con maniglia e gola, viene declinato in diverse versioni a seconda della finitura di anta scelta: laccato opaco, laccato lucido, legno opaco, legno lucido, yellow pine, metallizzato e vetro. Winning factor of Aliante is the ability to create and renew lines and tendencies, arriving to express values of quality and originality at the highest levels. Glider embodies the best of the know-how, allowing those who choose maximum design freedom, thanks to the many possible combinations, curves and linear. The program Aliante, besides being available with handle and throat, is declined in different versions depending on the finish of door choice: matt, gloss, matte wood, polished wood, yellow pine, metal and glass.

Fattore vincente di Aliante è la capacità di creare e rinnovare linee e tendenze, arrivando ad esprimere valori di qualità e originalità ai massimi livelli. Aliante racchiude in sé il meglio del know-how, concedendo a chi la sceglie massima libertà di progettazione, grazie alle innumerevoli combinazioni possibili, curve e lineari. Il programma Aliante, oltre ad essere disponibile con maniglia e gola, viene declinato in diverse versioni a seconda della finitura di anta scelta: laccato opaco, laccato lucido, legno opaco, legno lucido, yellow pine, metallizzato e vetro. Winning factor of Aliante is the ability to create and renew lines and tendencies, arriving to express values of quality and originality at the highest levels. Glider embodies the best of the know-how, allowing those who choose maximum design freedom, thanks to the many possible combinations, curves and linear. The program Aliante, besides being available with handle and throat, is declined in different versions depending on the finish of door choice: matt, gloss, matte wood, polished wood, yellow pine, metal and glass.

Fattore vincente di Aliante è la capacità di creare e rinnovare linee e tendenze, arrivando ad esprimere valori di qualità e originalità ai massimi livelli. Aliante racchiude in sé il meglio del know-how, concedendo a chi la sceglie massima libertà di progettazione, grazie alle innumerevoli combinazioni possibili, curve e lineari. Il programma Aliante, oltre ad essere disponibile con maniglia e gola, viene declinato in diverse versioni a seconda della finitura di anta scelta: laccato opaco, laccato lucido, legno opaco, legno lucido, yellow pine, metallizzato e vetro. Winning factor of Aliante is the ability to create and renew lines and tendencies, arriving to express values of quality and originality at the highest levels. Glider embodies the best of the know-how, allowing those who choose maximum design freedom, thanks to the many possible combinations, curves and linear. The program Aliante, besides being available with handle and throat, is declined in different versions depending on the finish of door choice: matt, gloss, matte wood, polished wood, yellow pine, metal and glass.